“It was very chaotic" - Jonathan Milan forced to settle for second again in frantic finale to stage 3 at the Giro d'Italia

Although he secured himself the Maglia Ciclamino at the 2024 Giro d'Italia, Jonathan Milan managed just the one stage win, being forced to settle for second on four occasions. In the first bunch sprint of the 2024 edition, it was again second place for the 23-year-old Italian.

“It was very chaotic," the Lidl-Trek sprinter reflects in his post-stage interview with Eurosport, having seen the Tour de France-winning duo of Tadej Pogacar and Geraint Thomas going on the attack in the final few kilometres, almost upsetting the sprint trains in stunning style before being caught with a few hundred metres to go.

In the end, it was Soudal - Quick-Step's Tim Merlier who prevailed in the frantic bunch sprint. "Because of the attack of Pogacar and Thomas. It was really painful," Milan recaps. “It was a very chaotic final. We lost each other a bit, but we came back together in the last 500 meters. Matteo Trentin started next and we managed to use his speed, but Merlier simply had a better sprint in his legs. I must congratulate him."

“I'll definitely try again tomorrow," Milan concludes with a smile. "Then a new sprint opportunity follows. I enjoyed myself today!"